Darts Hill Garden is the result of over 70 years of work and dedication guided by the clear vision of Francisca Darts. Along with her husband Edwin, Francisca took a logged piece of land, turned it first into an award winning orchard and then into the unique garden that is Darts Hill today.
Francisca’s curiosity and love of the new and interesting has resulted in the most diverse collection of mature tree and shrub species in the Pacific Northwest. Many were planted from seed collected from around the world.
In 1994 Edwin and Francisca Darts donated their 7.5-acre garden to the City of Surrey and its citizens. Their intention was to give Surrey its own garden to be used as a horticultural centre for the preservation, enhancement, and development of plants. The non-profit Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society works in partnership with the City of Surrey towards these goals.
Darts Hill Garden Park awakens in April with an explosion of colour. The large collection of bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees provides blooms from early spring to late summer in an ever-changing palette, worthy of several visits. In 2019, you’ll have even more opportunities to visit Darts Hill with expanded openings and special events.
Public Openings. Explore the garden during our Garden Strolls, scheduled from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April 5, 2019, to July 28, 2019. Before travelling to the Garden, please check our calendar for confirmation of openings and further information. The main pathways are gravel with inclines; they may be suitable for some wheelchair users.
During the spring and summer, the Garden also offers special openings, events, displays, and plant sales. On April 27, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., visit The City of Surrey’s special Get Growing Open House, featuring a plant sale, music, tours, and other activities. May 25, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. is also a special Open House, featuring plant sale, Master Gardeners, tours, and special displays. Throughout late April and May, you’ll see a unique garden art installation by Z.inc and Friends – Understory Art Exhibition. In July, attend free music concerts offered through the City of Surrey’s popular Sounds of Summer series – July 12, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. and July 31, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. A very special highlight of the 2019 summer schedule is the book launch of A Secret Garden: The Story of Darts Hill Garden Park, by Margaret Cadwaladr – July 31, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
The Garden is closed to the public during most of August, but re-opens in the fall.
Darts Hill Garden Park celebrates autumn with a vibrant show of fall colors. The garden’s significant collection of rare and mature trees and shrubs provides a wonderful display of changing leaves, ripening fruits and plump seeds from late summer to the winter months, worthy of several visits. In 2019, you’ll have even more opportunities to visit Darts Hill with expanded openings and special events.
Explore the garden during our Garden Strolls, scheduled from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from August 31 to September 29, 2019. Before travelling to the Garden, please check our calendar for confirmation of openings and further information. Be aware that the main pathways are gravel with inclines; they may be suitable for some wheelchair users.
During the fall, the Garden also offers special openings, events, displays and plant sales. September 15, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. features a plant sale and tour. On September 21, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m participate in the City of Surrey’s special Get Gathering Fall Open House, with the final plant sale of 2019, music in the garden, tours, a Master Gardener info table and other activities.
Saturday October 19 There is a Fall open house but NO plant sale.
For DHGCTS Members Days please consult the calendar.
The Garden is closed to the public during December, but will re-open in April 2020.
Memberships. To enjoy extended openings and the opportunity to fully enjoy and contribute to this exceptional plantsman’s garden, please consider the advantages of becoming a member. (Costs start at $20.) Learn more here.
Tours. For a truly customized experience, bring your own group of five or more for a two-hour Guided Tour, conducted by one of our experienced guides.
Pre-registration is required for all tours.Tour cost is $5 per person. Visit our tours section to learn all you need to know about booking a Darts Hill Tour.
Visiting with Children. Darts Hill Garden can be magical for children of all ages. They’ll enjoy exploring the winding mossy pathways, going through “tree tunnels,” and taking in the colours, sounds, and smells of the garden. They’ll observe the variety and unique features of plants from around the world, learn to recognize our own Pacific Coast native plants, see honeybees and mason bees at work, and perhaps see a rabbit or other creature that inhabits the garden. It’s a unique learning experience.
Parents are asked to supervise their children and teach them to stay on the pathways and respect the special plants in this garden. Bicycles, skateboards, soccer balls, and similar items are not permitted in the Heritage Garden at Darts Hill Garden Park. Secure bike racks are available for your use. Ride your bike to the garden!
Pets Policy. No pets please – only service animals, properly identified, are permitted in the garden.
Follow the Garden’s extraordinary history from its start in the 1940s to its donation to the City of Surrey.
The Story of Darts Hill Garden Park
Books will also be available for purchase at Darts Hill
Garden Park on Plant Sale Days and some special events.
